Agong has decided: No need for a state of emergency
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has decided not to accede to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's request to declare a state of emergency.
The ruler, in a statement, also rebuked MPs who are politicking and asked them not to proceed with any action that could threaten the stability of the government.
The statement which was released through the comptroller of the royal household, Ahmad Fadli Shamsuddin, came less than an hour after a meeting of Malay rulers concluded at Istana Negara.
The meeting was to provide guidance to the Agong on his decision...
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has decided not to accede to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's request to declare a state of emergency.
The ruler, in a statement, also rebuked MPs who are politicking and asked them not to proceed with any action that could threaten the stability of the government.
The statement which was released through the comptroller of the royal household, Ahmad Fadli Shamsuddin, came less than an hour after a meeting of Malay rulers concluded at Istana Negara.
The meeting was to provide guidance to the Agong on his decision.
The statement noted that Muhyiddin had put forward a proposal to the king on Friday.
"The request is to implement a state of emergency under Article 150(1) and Proclamation of Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2020 under Article 150(2B) of the Federal Constitution to combat the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.
"After considering the request and discussing with the Malay rulers as well as taking into account the situation in the country, Sultan Abdullah feels that the government has done well in handling the pandemic effectively.
"His Majesty believes in the government's capability under the prime minister to continue implementing policies and enforcing actions to curb the spread of Covid-19.
"Sultan Abdullah is of the opinion that, for the time being, there is no need for His Majesty to declare a state of emergency in the country or any parts thereof," said Ahmad Fadli.
He added that the ruler also reminded politicians to stop politicking and destabilising the government.
Proponents of the emergency move had said that it was necessary to combat Covid-19 but critics claimed Muhyiddin was trying to cling on to power amid fears that rebels within his government could turn on him during the Budget 2021 vote next month.
The ruler, in the statement, appears to discourage any such move.
"Sultan Abdullah was also of the opinion that there was no need for MPs to continue with their irresponsible action that could threaten the stability of the current government.
"His Majesty stressed that Budget 2021 which will be tabled in Parliament is of utmost importance to the people in combating Covid-19 and reviving the economy.
"Those in the frontline desperately need the financial allocation so that they can conduct their duties smoothly," said Ahmad Fadli.
Ahmad Fadli said the ruler took cognisance of the people's concern about the rising Covid-19 cases in the country and urged the people to unite in fighting the pandemic.
"His Majesty called on all people, regardless of background and particular political ideology, to set aside their differences and disagreements and unite as one in assisting the government and authorities to curb Covid-19 for their safety and well-being of the country that we love," he said.
He also urged the people to join him in prayer so that the country will be successful in ending the pandemic.
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